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Synopsis

Often referred to as the funniest woman in the world, the iconic African-American standup comedienne Jackie Moms Mabley broke racial and sexual boundaries and continues to inspire comedians to this day. In her directorial film debut, a modern-day comedy favorite pays homage to this pioneering talent.

Moms Mabley has been a huge inspiration to me and so many others, but not a lot of folks outside of the comedy world know about her legacy, says Goldberg. There are a lot of us who wouldnt be working today without pioneers like her. HBO gave me my first break on TV, so its only fitting that Moms has a home there now.

Goldberg also executive produces the documentary, along with Tom Leonardis and legendary producer and director George Schlatter, creator of Rowan & Martins Laugh-In.

In addition, archival footage showcases Mabley in performance at the Playboy Mansion with Sammy Davis, Jr., and on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Born Loretta Mary Aiken in Brevard, NC on March 19, 1894, Jackie Moms Mabley was one of the most successful entertainers to perform on the black vaudeville stage, also known as the chitlin circuit. Mableys monologues touched on traditional topics such as family, as well as more controversial subjects that were typically avoided by comedians of the era, regardless of race, including infidelity, poverty, welfare and alcohol.

Mableys successful career spanned five decades (though white audiences generally did not learn of her until the early 1960s). In 1939, she became the first female comedian to play the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where she earned $10,000 a week at the peak of her career. Mabley performed at Carnegie Hall in 1962, and appeared on such mainstream TV programs as "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (1967), The Ed Sullivan Show (1969) and The Bill Cosby Show (1970).

Jackie Moms Mabley passed away from heart failure at age 81 on May 23, 1975 in White Plains, NY. She was survived by her children, Bonnie, Christine, Charles and Yvonne Ailey.